Newbie, just had Hb1A1c result...

[Crys2010]

After months of feeling exhausted, hot, sweaty, thirsty and tearful I took myself off to a private doctor and had thyroid, HbA1c, folate and kidney blood tests done.

My HbA1c was 49, so the doctor is writing to my GP so that they can take it from there. All my other blood tests were within the normal range.

If I’m honest, my HbA1c result didn’t come as a surprise but I’m so annoyed with myself for letting things get to this stage. I’m mid-fifties, could do with losing about 3 stone, lead a sedentary lifestyle, need to improve my diet and cut down on alcohol.

My daily food intake consists of one piece of wholemeal toast with peanut butter for breakfast, a bowl of rice / nothing for lunch and either a ready meal [curry, Chinese food or Italian] or something I have cooked in my slow cooker [chili, stew etc.]

I don’t drink alcohol during the week, but Friday – Sunday I consume far too many pints of lager. Sometimes at the weekend I can go all day with a piece of toast in the morning, go out for a drink and then eat late at night. Unfortunately, I have been craving salty, savory snacks these past few months and can literally sit and binge on them, which will be causing blood sugar spikes. I have since read that these cravings can be a symptom of diabetes.

I went through a surgical menopause nearly 5 years ago and have B12 anemia for which I have injections every 12 weeks. I also have high blood pressure and am medicated for that.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and to say I am looking forward to being a member here and knowing that I am not on my own. It feels a bit scary at the moment, but I know I only have myself to blame and finding myself with a disease I could have prevented has made me very angry with myself.

Thanks for reading x

 

[Bruce Stephens]

My HbA1c was 49, so the doctor is writing to my GP so that they can take it from there. All my other blood tests were within the normal range.

So only just in the diabetic range. You can reasonably expect to be able to control it without medication (but don't feel guilty if that turns out not to be true).

 

[Crys2010]

So only just in the diabetic range. You can reasonably expect to be able to control it without medication (but don't feel guilty if that turns out not to be true).

Thanks for replying. I will certainly keep my fingers crossed that it can be controlled without medication. I've started walking, and am trying to learn all I can about what foods can help with both weight loss [it was a shock when I got on the scales this morning to find it is actually more than three stones I need to lose] and keeping blood sugar from spiking.

At the moment, I am having scrambled egg / avocado for breakfast; homemade vegetable soup for lunch and a slow cooker meals for dinner. Hoping I can expand my menu at some point, but I do need to lose weight and quickly.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome from me too.

An HbA1c of 49 is unlikely to be making you feel unwell like that with it just being over the diabetic threshold and in fact if you are anemic, that may well be skewing HbA1c results enough to push you over the diabetic line.

I am certainly noI medically qualified but I think the symptoms you describe may be to do with your b12 deficiency (certainly the fatigue) and possibly the menopause. If you haven't discussed HRT with your GP it might be worth doing so. I didn't start HRT until 5 years after starting the menopause and I battled really bad symptoms during that time which really impacted my quality of life. It wasn't until after I was diagnosed diabetic that I asked about HRT and I so wish I had broached the subject earlier. Right from the first couple of days of apply them it has made an absolutely massive difference to my life and I don't have any side effects and I can now manage on a half dose. I use the patches and it just blows my mind how that little patch of clear plastic stuck to my hip once a week can make such a huge difference to my quality of life. It is certainly worth a try and I believe HRT can now be purchased over the counter if your GP is not helpful.

I would certainly encourage you to make the lifestyle changes regardless because they can only be beneficial. You might also want to investigate the Newcastle diet with a view to losing the weight and pushing your diabetes into remission.

I hope you can find an approach that works for you and wish you lots of luck in your journey with it, but those would be my thoughts on your situation.

 

[Crys2010]

Hi and welcome from me too.

An HbA1c of 49 is unlikely to be making you feel unwell like that with it just being over the diabetic threshold and in fact if you are anemic, that may well be skewing HbA1c results enough to push you over the diabetic line.

I am certainly noI medically qualified but I think the symptoms you describe may be to do with your b12 deficiency (certainly the fatigue) and possibly the menopause. If you haven't discussed HRT with your GP it might be worth doing so. I didn't start HRT until 5 years after starting the menopause and I battled really bad symptoms during that time which really impacted my quality of life. It wasn't until after I was diagnosed diabetic that I asked about HRT and I so wish I had broached the subject earlier. Right from the first couple of days of apply them it has made an absolutely massive difference to my life and I don't have any side effects and I can now manage on a half dose. I use the patches and it just blows my mind how that little patch of clear plastic stuck to my hip once a week can make such a huge difference to my quality of life. It is certainly worth a try and I believe HRT can now be purchased over the counter if your GP is not helpful.

I would certainly encourage you to make the lifestyle changes regardless because they can only be beneficial. You might also want to investigate the Newcastle diet with a view to losing the weight and pushing your diabetes into remission.

I hope you can find an approach that works for you and wish you lots of luck in your journey with it, but those would be my thoughts on your situation.

Thank you for your reply. I did wonder about the B12 anemia, despite having had injections for the last 12 years or so, my mean cell volume is always over the high limit. When I speak to my GP, I might request to be reviewed for more frequent injections although I have found a private clinic and have had one there in between my regular doses.

HRT was ruled out for me after I had my TAH and BSO. I had an ovarian tumour over 30 cm and weighing 20kg and because it was a rare type they just didn't know whether HRT was safe, whether it was estrogen fed etc. However, the private doctor I spoke to said she would investigate HRT further, although she was keen for me to speak to my GP first about my HbA1c reading. I tend as well to be a bit of a stress head, have trouble sleeping so I think all of those factors, being overweight, drinking too much plus a close family member bereavement last year have created a perfect storm for where I now find myself.

I will certainly check out the diet you have suggested. Thank you again x

 

[Leadinglights]

As mentioned, the anaemia can affect an HbA1C test result but there is an alternative test, fructosamine test that could be done to confirm the diabetes diagnosis. Regular blood test should include a B12 and would indicate if more frequent injections would be needed.
Have a look at this link for ideas for modifying your diet, it is a low carb approach with REAL foods which has been successful for many in reducing weight and blood glucose level. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Beers and lager are not the best choices as they are high carb but wine and spirits with diet mixers are not too bad.
Wow your ovarian tumour was a whopper, I had a precancerous ovarian tumour which was the size of a grapefruit which led to a hysterectomy at aged 32, many years ago now. They said I would get symptoms of menopause, but I never did and count myself lucky.

 

[Crys2010]

As mentioned, the anaemia can affect an HbA1C test result but there is an alternative test, fructosamine test that could be done to confirm the diabetes diagnosis. Regular blood test should include a B12 and would indicate if more frequent injections would be needed.
Have a look at this link for ideas for modifying your diet, it is a low carb approach with REAL foods which has been successful for many in reducing weight and blood glucose level. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
Beers and lager are not the best choices as they are high carb but wine and spirits with diet mixers are not too bad.
Wow your ovarian tumour was a whopper, I had a precancerous ovarian tumour which was the size of a grapefruit which led to a hysterectomy at aged 32, many years ago now. They said I would get symptoms of menopause, but I never did and count myself lucky.

Thank you for replying, I am certainly going to discuss the anemia with my GP when I go. I hope to get some further blood tests to get a complete picture of what I am dealing with. I will have a look at the low carb diet, I really do have to retrain my brain in terms of eating - I am a crisps, savory snack addict. Glad to hear your tumour was not cancerous, it's a frightening thing to go through whatever the circumstances x

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you for replying, I am certainly going to discuss the anemia with my GP when I go. I hope to get some further blood tests to get a complete picture of what I am dealing with. I will have a look at the low carb diet, I really do have to retrain my brain in terms of eating - I am a crisps, savory snack addict. Glad to hear your tumour was not cancerous, it's a frightening thing to go through whatever the circumstances x

There are quite a few savoury snacks, nuts, pork scratchings, veg sticks with a dip.

 

[Crys2010]

My GP has been in touch, wants to repeat HbA1c; FBC; liver function; U's and E's. I've a holiday coming up, but she says the tests can wait until I get back. Holiday will involve lots of walking, and I will try to cut back on the booze as much as possible. On the plus side, I have lost a couple of pounds x

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Good to hear you are getting things confirmed and double-checked @Crys2010

Try not to be disheartened about your diagnosis, many people on the forum later reflect that their diagnosis became a catalyst which prompted them to make positive changes towards a healthier and more active life. Perhaps changes that they had been intending to make for years, but never quite managed to get around to. Ironically, many say they feel fitter, trimmer, healthier, more energised, and better in themselves in the months and years after diagnosis than they have for a long time.

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy.

Let us know whether your diagnosis is confirmed with these follow-up checks, and what plan of action your Dr suggests 🙂

 

[Crys2010]

Good to hear you are getting things confirmed and double-checked @Crys2010

Try not to be disheartened about your diagnosis, many people on the forum later reflect that their diagnosis became a catalyst which prompted them to make positive changes towards a healthier and more active life. Perhaps changes that they had been intending to make for years, but never quite managed to get around to. Ironically, many say they feel fitter, trimmer, healthier, more energised, and better in themselves in the months and years after diagnosis than they have for a long time.

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy.

Let us know whether your diagnosis is confirmed with these follow-up checks, and what plan of action your Dr suggests 🙂

Thank you, your words definitely resonate, and I feel like this is a bit of a wake up for me to take control of my health and my lifestyle. I'm encouraged by the [small] amount of weight loss, I know I have a lot to go, but I am taking it in small steps so as not to become overwhelmed. I'm tracking my food, exercise and water as well so I can see where tweaks need to be made.

I will definitely update when I have my results and diagnosis x

 

[Mountain Path]

After months of feeling exhausted, hot, sweaty, thirsty and tearful I took myself off to a private doctor and had thyroid, HbA1c, folate and kidney blood tests done.

My HbA1c was 49, so the doctor is writing to my GP so that they can take it from there. All my other blood tests were within the normal range.

If I’m honest, my HbA1c result didn’t come as a surprise but I’m so annoyed with myself for letting things get to this stage. I’m mid-fifties, could do with losing about 3 stone, lead a sedentary lifestyle, need to improve my diet and cut down on alcohol.

My daily food intake consists of one piece of wholemeal toast with peanut butter for breakfast, a bowl of rice / nothing for lunch and either a ready meal [curry, Chinese food or Italian] or something I have cooked in my slow cooker [chili, stew etc.]

I don’t drink alcohol during the week, but Friday – Sunday I consume far too many pints of lager. Sometimes at the weekend I can go all day with a piece of toast in the morning, go out for a drink and then eat late at night. Unfortunately, I have been craving salty, savory snacks these past few months and can literally sit and binge on them, which will be causing blood sugar spikes. I have since read that these cravings can be a symptom of diabetes.

I went through a surgical menopause nearly 5 years ago and have B12 anemia for which I have injections every 12 weeks. I also have high blood pressure and am medicated for that.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and to say I am looking forward to being a member here and knowing that I am not on my own. It feels a bit scary at the moment, but I know I only have myself to blame and finding myself with a disease I could have prevented has made me very angry with myself.

Thanks for reading x

Hi

I wouldn't be too hard on yourself, the message about the real implications of what is, lets face it, a very common lifestyle is not really getting out there and there is no real government action to tidy up the act of our increasingly global corporate food chain.

There are voices that tell us (in my case don't drink so many energy drinks) but they are not very loud compared to the drive to make us consume.

The ultimate solution is a combination of better messaging, technology and legislation to control the food companies, this may all be on its way if somewhat slower then ideal. Currently the policy is definitely responding to problems when they occur rather then investing in prevention, this may be because we are still in a majority or the inertia built into these things due to conflicts between interested parties

Its not all doom and gloom, I have found fun and interest in monitoring my health and understanding the biology. The changes in diet and lifestyle have opened up new experiences I would never have had if I was not susceptible to the condition (I would almost certainly be heavier and more sedentary).

Take care and know we have all been there (and millions more) and its just a slightly different life.

Also in my opinion there are only good things coming in regard to better management solutions that will change many aspects of both our life's and those fortunate enough to be able to eat more 'bad food' then we were.

All the very best

MP

 

[EmmaL76]

Hi there… are you worried about your alcohol consumption for reasons of keeping your blood sugar down or because you don’t want to drink as much? If it’s purely because of the sugars then there are some really good alternatives to what you are drinking. White/red wine are fine, gin and slimline (so many flavours these day) vodka soda, hard seltzer. In fact it’s common that these may actually reduce blood sugar a little (not that I’m advising you self medicate with alcohol) it doesn’t have to be cut out completely just as with most things in the diabetic world there are better alternatives. Just not baileys salted Caramel … I found myself on another planet after a large glass of that once , don’t know why on earth I thought all drinks would be fine

 

[Crys2010]

Hi

I wouldn't be too hard on yourself, the message about the real implications of what is, lets face it, a very common lifestyle is not really getting out there and there is no real government action to tidy up the act of our increasingly global corporate food chain.

There are voices that tell us (in my case don't drink so many energy drinks) but they are not very loud compared to the drive to make us consume.

The ultimate solution is a combination of better messaging, technology and legislation to control the food companies, this may all be on its way if somewhat slower then ideal. Currently the policy is definitely responding to problems when they occur rather then investing in prevention, this may be because we are still in a majority or the inertia built into these things due to conflicts between interested parties

Its not all doom and gloom, I have found fun and interest in monitoring my health and understanding the biology. The changes in diet and lifestyle have opened up new experiences I would never have had if I was not susceptible to the condition (I would almost certainly be heavier and more sedentary).

Take care and know we have all been there (and millions more) and its just a slightly different life.

Also in my opinion there are only good things coming in regard to better management solutions that will change many aspects of both our life's and those fortunate enough to be able to eat more 'bad food' then we were.

All the very best

MP

I agree. I was discussing with a mate the other night, and we said we were pretty thankful to have our parents and grandparents as an example of healthier eating and living. For the most part, they tend to cook from scratch, walk to the shops, not eat fast food etc. Things are out of control now.

 

[Crys2010]

Hi there… are you worried about your alcohol consumption for reasons of keeping your blood sugar down or because you don’t want to drink as much? If it’s purely because of the sugars then there are some really good alternatives to what you are drinking. White/red wine are fine, gin and slimline (so many flavours these day) vodka soda, hard seltzer. In fact it’s common that these may actually reduce blood sugar a little (not that I’m advising you self medicate with alcohol) it doesn’t have to be cut out completely just as with most things in the diabetic world there are better alternatives. Just not baileys salted Caramel … I found myself on another planet after a large glass of that once , don’t know why on earth I thought all drinks would be fine

Hhmm, it's a bit of both really. I drink Friday to Sunday, but too much. I love socialising with friends, and we do have a bit of a drinking culture going on. So it means I can go pretty much all day without food, then have lots to drink and then eat too late. Unfortunately as well, I drink lager for the most part

I'm a bit all or nothing, and I find it hard to stop once I start. On the other hand, if I don't start I could go weeks without drinking - I find it easy for example to not drink at all Monday to Thursday. I'm sure there is some type of alcoholism there. I will miss socialising if I don't go out, I think I just need to figure out ways to limit my impulses

 

[Crys2010]

I said I'd update when I got the test results back from my GP. My HbA1c levels came back at 40 when I was re-tested on 30 November, a month after my first reading of 49. My GP has flagged the result as normal, no further action. Although I had made some major adjustments to my diet, stopped drinking lager and started walking 4 miles a day, I am still quite surprised by this. Especially since the nurse who took my bloods said basically the results would likely confirm that I had diabetes. Obviously I'm pleased, just a bit confused. I'd also had one additional B12 injection during the period of the month between the tests, not sure whether that would have made such a difference.

My cholesterol and triglycerides are in the very high range at 5.3 and 7.2 respectively, and my ALT level is over the normal range. I plan to carry on with the lifestyle changes I have made anyway, and that will [hopefully] help with these levels as well.